John E. Effenbeck

John E. Effenbeck, 80, of North Platte, NE, died Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

John was born September 4, 1933, to John J. and Augusta A. Hillman Effenbeck at Maxwell, NE where he grew up. He graduated from Maxwell High School in 1951.

On May 17, 1952, John married Lila Mae Gale in Kearney, NE. They made their home in North Platte and shared nearly 62 years together. John worked construction before going to work as a truck driver. He drove for Beeline Motor Freight and NTC, retiring from there in 1995.

John enjoyed fishing, playing shuffleboard and puttering in his garden. He always enjoyed pontoon rides and was willing to help others. John was a member of Eagles Aeries #2839.

He is survived by his wife, Lila, of North Platte; a daughter, Debbie (Ron) Studley, of Scott City, KS; a granddaughter, Melissa (Doug) Donahoo, of Albuquerque, NM; a sister, Florence Meredith, of North Platte; his sister-in-law, Hazel Himmerite, of North Platte; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Augusta Effenbeck; seven brothers, Kenny, Emil, Martin, Edgar, Paul, Walter and Ludwig Effenbeck; and six sisters, Bertha, Bessie, Margaret, Martha, Marie and Harriet.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m.Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the donor’s choice. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.